Ceasefire violations: India can give firm reply, warns Jaitley

Amritsar

|

Updated: Aug 19, 2014 08:12 IST

Regular ceasefire violation along the Line of Control (LoC) by Pakistan proved that the mischief was intentional, defence minister Arun Jaitley said here on Monday, warning the hostile neighbour that the Indian forces were capable of giving it a befitting reply.

The ceasefire violation was now regular not only on the LoC but also on the international border, he commented on the sidelines of a party function here after visit to forward posts in the Dera Baba Nanak sector. “It seems Pakistan and certain forces within that country do not want stable ties with India,” he observed.

“I have inspected the preparedness of our forces from time to time and know that they are capable of giving a firm reply to the violations.” Jaitley said interacting with reporters. On a question about India’s cancelling the foreign-secretary-level talks with Pakistan, the defence minister said: “Provocations such as the ceasefire violations along the LoC and Pakistan high commissioner’s inviting separatists for talks don’t signal a right intent. It is for Pakistan to decide that what sort of relations it wants with India.”

Claiming that the union government was taking all steps to create a positive environment in the country, Jaitley said, “The great faith the people of this country have posed in the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) and its allies gives us a golden opportunity to make good changes in the country.”

Jaitley mentioned that India had become one of the biggest buyers of weapons but now I was thinking of becoming selfsufficient in arms production.

Earlier in the day, he headed straight from the airport to the Panther Division headquarters here in the company of army chief Gen Dalbir Singh.